Polymerizable liquid crystal composition, method for producing polymerizable liquid crystal composition, optically anisotropic film, optical film, polarizing plate, and image display device

ABSTRACT

A polymerizable liquid crystal composition having excellent solubility, used for formation of an optically anisotropic film having excellent durability. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition contains a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1 represented by Formula (1): A-Ar-A, a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 represented by Formula (2): A-Ar-B, and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 represented by Formula (3): B-Ar-B. 
     In Formulae (1) and (2), A&#39;s represent predetermined side chains, all of which exhibit the same C log P value, and in Formulae (2) and (3), B&#39;s represent predetermined side chains, all of which exhibit the same C log P value. It should be noted that A and B represent side chains having C log P values different from each other, in which the C log P value of A is larger than the C log P value of B and the C log P value of at least one of A or B is 3.3 or more.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2019/005303 filed on Feb. 14, 2019, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) in Japanese, and which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-023929 filed on Feb. 14, 2018. The above applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference, in their entirety, into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a polymerizable liquid crystal composition, a method for producing a polymerizable liquid crystal composition, an optically anisotropic film, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device.

2. Description of the Related Art

A polymerizable compound exhibiting reciprocal wavelength dispersibility enables, for example, conversion of accurate light ray wavelengths over a wide wavelength range and reduction in the thickness of a phase difference film due to its high refractive index, and therefore, it has been actively studied.

Furthermore, for a polymerizable compound exhibiting reciprocal wavelength dispersibility, T-type molecular design guidelines have generally been applied and it has been required to decrease the wavelength of a major axis of the molecule and increase the wavelength of a minor axis positioned at the center of the molecule.

In this regard, it is known that a cycloalkylene skeleton having no absorption wavelength is used for the connection between a skeleton of the minor axis positioned at the center of the molecule (hereinafter also referred to as a “reciprocal wavelength dispersion expressing part”) and the major axis of the molecule (see, for example, JP2010-031223A, WO2014/010325A, and JP2016-081035A).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have conducted studies on JP2010-031223A, WO2014/010325A, and JP2016-081035A, and have thus found that the solubility of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition may be deteriorated in some cases, depending on the type of a polymerizable compound, and there is a problem in durability in that a birefringence changes upon exposure of an optically anisotropic film thus formed to a high temperature and a high humidity, depending on the type of a polymerizable compound, the type of a polymerization initiator, and polymerization conditions such as a curing temperature.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a polymerizable liquid crystal composition having excellent solubility, used for formation of an optically anisotropic film having durability and a method for producing the same; and an optically anisotropic film, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device.

The present inventors have conducted intensive studies in order to achieve the object, and as a result, they have found that in a case where a polymerizable liquid crystal compound having an asymmetric structure in which the structures of two groups (side chains) extending in the major axis direction around a reciprocal wavelength dispersion expressing part are different from each other and at least one of the side chains is hydrophobic is blended with two kinds of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds having each of the asymmetric side chains in a symmetric structure, the solubility is improved and the durability of an optically anisotropic film thus formed is also improved, thereby completing the present invention.

That is, the present inventors have found that the object can be accomplished by the following configurations.

[1] A polymerizable liquid crystal composition comprising:

-   -   a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1 represented by         Formula (1) which will be described later;     -   a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 represented by         Formula (2) which will be described later; and     -   a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 represented by         Formula (3) which will be described later.

[2] The polymerizable liquid crystal composition as described in [1],

-   -   in which contents of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound         P1, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2, and the         polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 are each 1% by mass or         more, and a total of the contents is 50% by mass or more, with         respect to a mass of the total solid content of the         polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

[3] The polymerizable liquid crystal composition as described in [1] or [2],

-   -   in which a content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound         P2 is 10% by mass or more with respect to a mass of the total         solid content of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

[4] The polymerizable liquid crystal composition as described in any one of [1] to [3],

-   -   in which at least one of A or B in Formulae (1) to (3) which         will be described later represents a side chain represented by         Formula (6) which will be described later.

[5] The polymerizable liquid crystal composition as described in [4],

-   -   in which both of G¹ and G² in Formula (6) which will be         described later represent a cyclohexane ring.

[6] A method for producing a polymrizable liquid crystal composition, the method comprising reacting a carboxylic acid compound represented by Formula (I) which will be described later, a carboxylic acid compound represented by Formula (II) which will be described later, and a phenol compound represented by Formula (III) which will be described later simultaneously to prepare the polymerizable liquid crystal composition as described in any one of [1] to [5].

[7] An optically anisotropic film obtained by polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal composition as described in any one of [1] to [5].

[8] The optically anisotropic film as described in [7],

-   -   in which Formula (7) which will be described later is satisfied.

[9] An optical film comprising the optically anisotropic film as described in [7] or [8].

[10] A polarizing plate comprising:

-   -   the optical film as described in [9]; and     -   a polarizer.

[11] An image display device comprising the optical film as described in [9] or the polarizing plate as described in [10].

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a polymerizable liquid crystal composition having excellent solubility, used for formation of an optically anisotropic film having excellent durability, and a method for producing the same; and an optically anisotropic film, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical film of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

Descriptions on the constitutional requirements which will be described later are made based on representative embodiments of the present invention in some cases, but it should not be construed that the present invention is limited to such embodiments.

Furthermore, in the present specification, a numerical value range expressed using “to” means a range that includes the preceding and succeeding numerical values of “to” as the lower limit value and the upper limit value, respectively.

In addition, in the present specification, the bonding direction of a divalent group (for example, —O—CO—) as noted is not particularly limited unless the bonding position is specified, and for example, in a case where D¹ in Formula (4) which will be described later is —CO—O—, D¹ may be either *1-CO—O—*2 or *1-O—CO—*2, in which *1 represents a bonding position to the Ar side and *2 represents a bonding position to the A¹ side.

[Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Composition]

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention is a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1 represented by Formula (1), a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 represented by Formula (2), and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 represented by Formula (3). A-Ar-A  (1) A-Ar-B  (2) B-Ar-B  (3)

A's in Formulae (1) and (2) represent side chains represented by Formula (4) which will be described later, all of which exhibit the same C log P value, and B's in Formulae (2) and (3) represent side chains represented by Formula (5) which will be described later, all of which exhibit the same C log P value. It should be noted that A and B represent side chains having C log P values different from each other, in which the C log P value of A is larger than the C log P value of B and the C log P value of at least one of A or B is 3.3 or more.

Here, the C log P value is a value determined by calculation of a common logarithm log P of a partition coefficient P between 1-octanol and water. With regard to a method or software used for calculation of the C log P value, a known method or software can be used, but in the present invention, a C log P program incorporated into ChemBioDraw Ultra 13.0 from Cambridge Soft is used unless otherwise specified.

In addition, with regard to A's in the formulae, an expression, “all exhibit the same C log P value” means a structure in which two A's in Formula (1) and A in Formula (2) exhibit the same C log P value, and means that the structure of the side chain represented by Formula (4) which will be described later is the same structure or a structural isomer. Incidentally, B's in the formulae are interpreted in the same manner.

In the present invention, the solubility of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition is improved and the durability of an optically anisotropic film thus formed is improved by blending the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1 and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3, represented by Formulae (1) and (3), respectively, with the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 represented by Formula (2) as described above.

A reason therefor is not specifically clear, but is presumed to be as follows by the present inventors.

That is, it is presumed that packing among the molecules was inhibited by blending the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 having an asymmetric side chain structure, and as a result, the solubility of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in an organic solvent was improved. Further, it is presumed that the solubility was further improved by blending the polymerizable liquid crystal compounds P and P3 having each of the asymmetric side chains in the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 in a symmetrical structure, with the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 to form three kinds of mixtures.

On the other hand, it is presumed that since at least one of the side chains of the polymerizable liquid crystal compounds P1 and P3 is hydrophobic and at least one of the asymmetric side chains of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 is hydrophobic, the absorption of water was reduced, and as a result, the durability of the optically anisotropic film was improved.

Hereinafter, the respective components of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compound]

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention is a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1 represented by Formula (1), a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 represented by Formula (2), and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 represented by Formula (3). A-Ar-A  (1) A-Ar-B  (2) B-Ar-B  (3)

In Formulae (1) and (2), A's represent side chains represented by Formula (4) which will be described later, all of which exhibit the same C log P value, and in Formulae (2) and (3), B's represent side chains represented by Formula (5) which will be described later, all of which exhibit the same C log P value.

It should be noted that A and B represent side chains having C log P values different from each other, in which the C log P value of A is larger than the C log P value of B and the C log P value of at least one of A or B is 3.3 or more. *-D¹-(A¹-E¹)_(n)-SP¹-L¹  (4) *-D₂-(A²-E²)_(n)-SP²-L²  (5)

In Formulae (4) and (5), * represents a bonding position to Ar, and n and m each independently represent an integer of 1 or more.

Furthermore, in Formulae (4) and (5), D¹, D², E¹, and E² each independently represent a single bond, or a divalent linking group consisting of —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, —CR¹R²—, —CR³═CR⁴—, —NR⁵—, or a combination of two or more thereof, in which R¹ to R⁵ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. In a case where n is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of E¹'s may be the same as or different from each other, and in a case where m is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of E²'s may be the same as or different from each other.

Moreover, in Formulae (4) and (5), A¹ and A² each independently represent an aromatic ring having 6 or more carbon atoms, which may have a substituent, or a cycloalkane ring having 6 or more carbon atoms, which may have a substituent. In a case where n is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of A¹'s may be the same as or different from each other, and in a case where m is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of A²'s may be the same as or different from each other.

In addition, in Formulae (4) and (5), SP¹ and SP² each independently represent a single bond, or a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkenylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkynylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent linking group in which one or more of —CH₂—'s constituting the alkylene group, the alkenylene group, and the alkynylene group are substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(Q)-, or —CO—, and Q represents a substituent.

In addition, in Formulae (4) and (5), L¹ and L² each independently represent a monovalent organic group, and at least one of L¹ or L² represents a polymerizable group. It should be noted that in a case where Ar in Formulae (1) to (3) is an aromatic ring represented by Formula (Ar-3) which will be described later, at least one of L¹ or L², or L³ or L⁴ in Formula (Ar-3) which will be described later represents a polymerizable group.

In Formulae (4) and (5), n and m each independently represent an integer of 1 or more, preferably 1 to 3, more preferably 1 or 2, and still more preferably 2.

In Formulae (4) and (5), examples of the divalent linking group represented by each of D¹, D², E¹, and E² include —CO—O—, —C(═S)O—, —CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—CR¹R²—, —O—CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—O—CR¹R²—, —CO—O—CR¹R²—, —O—CO—CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—O—CO—CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—CO—O—CR¹R²—, —NR⁵—CR¹R²—, and —CO—NR⁵—, R¹, R², and R⁵ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Among those, D¹ and D² are preferably —CO—O—, and E¹ and E² are preferably —O—, —CO—O—, or —CO—NR⁵—, and more preferably —CO—O—.

Furthermore, in Formula (4) and Formula (5), examples of the aromatic ring having 6 or more carbon atoms represented by each of A¹ and A² include an aromatic hydrocarbon ring such as a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthroline ring; and an aromatic heterocyclic ring such as a furan ring, a pyrrole ring, a thiophene ring, a pyridine ring, a thiazole ring, and a benzothiazole ring. Among those, the benzene ring (for example, a 1,4-phenyl group) is preferable.

In Formulae (4) and (5), examples of the cycloalkane ring having 6 or more carbon atoms represented by each of A¹ and A² include a cyclohexane ring, a cyclopeptane ring, a cyclooctane ring, a cyclododecane ring, and a cyclodocosane ring. Among those, the cyclohexane ring (for example, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group) is preferable, and the trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group is more preferable.

In addition, examples of the substituent which may be contained in the aromatic ring having 6 or more carbon atoms or the cycloalkane ring having 6 or more carbon atoms include the same ones as the substituent which may be contained in Y¹ in Formula (Ar-1) which will be described later.

As the linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms represented by each of SP¹ and SP² in Formula (4) and Formula (5), a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable, and suitable examples thereof include a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, a hexylene group, a methylhexylene group, and a heptylene group.

Furthermore, as the linear or branched alkenylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms represented by each of SP¹ and SP², a linear or branched alkenylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms is preferable, and suitable examples thereof include an ethenylene group, a propenylene group, and a butenylene group.

Moreover, suitable examples of the linear or branched alkynylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms represented by each of SP¹ and SP², include an ethynylene group.

In addition, SP¹ and SP² are a divalent linking group in which one or more of —CH₂-constituting the alkylene group, the alkenylene group, and the alkynylene group are substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(Q)-, or —CO—, as described above, and examples of the substituent represented by Q include the same ones as the substituents which may be contained in Y¹ in Formula (Ar-1) which will be described later.

Examples of the monovalent organic group represented by each of L¹ and L² in Formula (4) and Formula (5) include an alkyl group, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group. The alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, but is preferably linear. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is preferably 1 to 30, more preferably 1 to 20, and still more preferably 1 to 10. Further, the aryl group may be a monocycle or a polycycle, but is preferably the monocycle. The number of carbon atoms of the aryl group is preferably 6 to 25, and more preferably 6 to 10. Further, the heteroaryl group may be a monocycle or a polycycle. The number of heteroatoms constituting the heteroaryl group is preferably 1 to 3. The heteroatoms constituting the heteroaryl group is preferably a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, or an oxygen atom. The number of carbon atoms of the heteroaryl group is preferably 6 to 18, and more preferably 6 to 12. In addition, the alkyl group, the aryl group, and the heteroaryl group may be unsubstituted or have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include the same ones as the substituents which may be contained in Y¹ in Formula (Ar-1) which will be described later.

On the other hand, in Formula (4) and Formula (5), the polymerizable group represented by at least one of L¹ or L² is not particularly limited, but is preferably a polymerizable group which is radically polymerizable or cationically polymerizable.

A generally known radically polymerizable group can be used as the radically polymerizable group, and suitable examples thereof include an acrloyl group and a methacryloyl group. In this case, it is known that the acryloyl group generally has a high polymerization rate, and from the viewpoint of improvement of productivity, the acryloyl group is preferable but the methacryloyl group can also be used in the same manner as the polymerizable group.

A generally known cationically polymerizable group can be used as the cationically polymerizable group, and specific examples thereof include an alicyclic ether group, a cyclic acetal group, a cyclic lactone group, a cyclic thioether group, a spiroorthoester group, and a vinyloxy group. Among those, the alicyclic ether group or the vinyloxy group is suitable, and an epoxy group, an oxetanyl group, or the vinyloxy group is particularly preferable.

Particularly preferred examples of the polymerizable group include the following groups.

In the present invention, for a reason that the durability of an optically anisotropic film thus formed is further improved, the C log P value of the side chain represented by Formula (4), that is, A of each of Formulae (1) and (2) is preferably 4.0 or more, and more preferably 4.0 to 6.0.

Furthermore, the C log P value of the side chain represented by Formula (5), that is, B in Formulae (2) and (3) is not particularly limited as long as it is smaller than the C log P value of A in Formulae (1) and (2), but is preferably 1.0 to 5.0, and more preferably 2.5 to 4.5.

On the other hand, in Formulae (1) to (3), Ar represents any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by Formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-5). Further, in Formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), * represents a bonding position to D¹ or D² in Formulae (4) and (5).

Here, in Formula (Ar-1), Q¹ represents N or CH, Q² represents —S—, —O—, or —N(R⁶)—, R⁶ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and Y¹ represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms or an aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, each of which may have a substituent.

Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms represented by R⁶ include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group.

Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms represented by Y¹ include aryl groups such as a phenyl group, a 2,6-diethylphenyl group, and a naphthyl group.

Examples of the aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms represented by Y¹ include heteroaryl groups such as a thienyl group, a thiazolyl group, a furyl group, and a pyridyl group.

Furthermore, examples of the substituent which may be contained in Y¹ include an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, and a halogen atom.

As the alkyl group, for example, a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms is preferable, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms (for example, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a t-butyl group, and a cyclohexyl group) is more preferable, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is still more preferable, and the methyl group or the ethyl group is particularly preferable.

As the alkoxy group, for example, an alkoxy group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms is preferable, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms (for example, a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-butoxy group, and a methoxy ethoxy group) is more preferable, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is still more preferable, and the methoxy group or the ethoxy group is particularly preferable.

Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom, and among these, the fluorine atom or the chlorine atom is preferable.

In addition, in Formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), Z¹, Z², and Z³ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, —OR⁷, —NR⁸R⁹, or —SR¹⁰, R⁷ to R¹⁰ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and Z¹ and Z² may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring.

As the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is preferable, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is more preferable, and specifically, a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a tert-pentyl group (1,1-dimethylpropyl group), a tert-butyl group, or a 1,1-dimethyl-3,3-dimethyl-butyl group is still more preferable, and the methyl group, the ethyl group, or the tert-butyl group is particularly preferable.

Examples of the monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms include monocyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups such as a cyclopropyl group, a cyclobutyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a cycloheptyl group, a cyclooctyl group, a cyclodecyl group, a methylcyclohexyl group, and an ethylcyclohexyl group; monocyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon groups such as a cyclobutenyl group, a cyclopentenyl group, a cyclohexenyl group, a cycloheptenyl group, a cyclooctenyl group, a cyclodecenyl group, a cyclopentadienyl group, a cyclohexadienyl group, a cyclooctadienyl group, and a cyclodecadiene; and polycyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups such as a bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl group, a bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl group, a tricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decyl group, a tricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decyl group, a tetracyclo[6.2.1.1^(3,6).0^(2,7)]dodecyl group, and an adamantyl group.

Specific examples of the monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms include a phenyl group, a 2,6-diethylphenyl group, a naphthyl group, and a biphenyl group, and an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms (particularly a phenyl group) is preferable.

Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom, and among these, the fluorine atom, the chlorine atom, or the bromine atom is preferable.

On the other hand, specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms represented by each of R⁷ to R¹⁰ include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group and an n-hexyl group.

In addition, in Formulae (Ar-2) and (Ar-3), A³ and A⁴ each independently represent a group selected from the group consisting of —O—, —N(R¹¹)—, —S—, and —CO—, and R¹¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent.

Examples of the substituent represented by R¹¹ include the same ones as the substituents which may be contained in Y¹ in Formula (Ar-1).

Furthermore, in Formula (Ar-2), X represents a non-metal atom of Groups XIV to XVI to which a hydrogen atom or a substituent may be bonded.

Moreover, examples of the non-metal atom of Group XIV to XVI represented by X include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a nitrogen atom having a substituent, and a carbon atom having a substituent, and specific examples of the substituent include an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl-substituted alkoxy group, a cyclic alkyl group, an aryl group (for example, a phenyl group and a naphthyl group), a cyano group, an amino group, a nitro group, an alkylcarbonyl group, a sulfo group, and a hydroxyl group.

In addition, in Formula (Ar-3), D³ and D each independently represent a single bond, or a divalent linking group consisting of —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, —CR¹R²—, —CR³═CR⁴—, —NR⁵—, or a combination of two or more thereof, in which R¹ to R⁵ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Here, examples of the divalent linking group include the same groups as those described for D¹ and D² in Formulae (4) and (5).

Moreover, in Formula (Ar-3), SP³ and SP⁴ each independently represent a single bond, or a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkenylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkynylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent linking group in which one or more of —CH₂—'s constituting the alkylene group, the alkenylene group, and the alkynylene group are substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(Q)-, or —CO—, and Q represents a substituent.

Here, examples of the alkylene group, the alkenylene group, and the alkynylene group include the same ones as those described for SP¹ and SP² in Formulae (4) and (5).

In addition, examples of the substituent include the same ones as the substituents which may be contained in Y¹ in Formula (Ar-1).

Furthermore, in Formula (Ar-3), L³ and L⁴ each independently represent a monovalent organic group, and at least one of L³ or L, or L¹ or L² in Formulae (4) and (5) represents a polymerizable group.

Examples of the monovalent organic group include the same ones as those described for L¹ and L² in Formulae (4) and (5).

In addition, examples of the polymerizable group include the same ones as the polymerizable groups described for L¹ and L² in Formulae (4) and (5).

Moreover, in Formulae (Ar-4) and (Ar-5), Ax represents an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, which has at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon ring and an aromatic heterocyclic ring.

Furthermore, in Formulae (Ar-4) and (Ar-5), Ay represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, which may have a substituent, or an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, which has at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon ring and an aromatic heterocyclic ring.

Here, the aromatic rings in each of Ax and Ay may have a substituent, and Ax and Ay may be bonded to each other to form a ring.

In addition, Q³ represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which may have a substituent.

Examples of each of Ax and Ay include the ones described in paragraphs [0039] to [0095] of WO2014/010325A.

Incidentally, specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms represented by Q³ include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group, and examples of the substituent include the same ones as the substituents which may be contained in Y¹ in Formula (Ar-1).

In the present invention, for a reason that the durability of an optically anisotropic film thus formed is further improved, it is preferable that at least one of A or B in Formulae (1) to (3) represents a side chain represented by Formula (6). In addition, even in a case where both of A and B in Formulae (1) to (3) represent the side chain represented by Formula (6), in the present invention, A and B represent side chains having C log P values different from each other, in which the C log P value of A is larger than the C log P value of B and the C log P value of at least one of A or B is 3.3 or more, as described above. *-D⁵-G¹-G²-D⁶-SP⁵-L⁵  (6)

In Formula (6), * represents a bonding position to Ar.

Furthermore, in Formula (6), D⁵ and D⁶ each independently represent a single bond, or a divalent linking group consisting of —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, —CR¹R²—, —CR═CR⁴—, —NR⁵—, or a combination of two or more thereof, in which R¹ to R⁵ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Incidentally, examples of the divalent linking group include the same groups as those described for D¹ and D² in Formulae (4) and (5).

Furthermore, in Formula (6), G¹ and G² each independently represent a cycloalkane ring having 6 or more carbon atoms, which may have a substituent. Incidentally, examples of the substituent and the cycloalkane ring include the same ones as those described for A¹ and A² in Formulae (4) and (5), respectively.

Moreover, in Formula (6), SP⁵ represents a single bond, or a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkenylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkynylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent linking group in which one or more of —CH₂—'s constituting the alkylene group, the alkenylene group, and the alkynylene group are substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(Q)-, or —CO—, and Q represents a substituent. Incidentally, examples of the alkylene group, the alkenylene group, and the alkynylene group include the same ones as those described for SP¹ and SP² in Formulae (4) and (5), respectively.

Furthermore, in Formula (6), L⁵ represents a monovalent organic group or a polymerizable group. Incidentally, examples of the monovalent organic group and the polymerizable group include the same ones as those described for L¹ and L² in Formulae (4) and (5), respectively.

Moreover, in the present invention, for a reason that the durability of an optically anisotropic film thus formed is further improved, it is preferable that both of G¹ and G² in Formula (6) represent a cyclohexane ring.

Specific examples of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 represented by Formula (2) among the polymerizable liquid crystal compounds represented by Formulae (1) to (3) include compounds in which a combination of the side chain A and the side chain B shown in 1-1 to 1-16 in Table 1 below are introduced into both the side chains with the Ar structure represented by each of Formulae (C1) to (C9).

In addition, in the structures of the side chain B shown in 1-1, 1-11, and 1-16 in Table 1 below, a group adjacent to each of the acryloyloxy group and the methacryloyl group represents a propylene group (a group in which a methyl group is substituted with an ethylene group), and represents a mixture of position isomers in which the positions of the methyl groups are different.

TABLE 1 Side chain A Side chain B Structure ClogP Structure ClogP 1-1

4.164

3.156 1-2

4.164

2.847 1-3

4.164

4.057 1-4

4.164

2.075 1-5

5.089

4.164 1-6

5.219

4.164 1-7

4.164

3.709 1-8

4.164

3.697 1-9

4.164

2.501 1-10

4.164

1.611 1-11

4.057

3.156 1-12

4.057

3.697 1-13

4.057

1.611 1-14

5.189

4.057 1-15

5.089

4.057 1-16

5.189

3.156

Furthermore, specific examples of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1 represented by Formula (1) include examples in which the side chain A shown in Table 1 above is introduced into both the side chains of the Ar structure represented by each of Formulae (C1) to (C9) as mentioned above.

Similarly, specific examples of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 represented by Formula (3) include examples in which the side chain B shown in Table 1 above is introduced into both the side chains of the Ar structure represented by each of Formulae (C1) to (C9) as mentioned above.

In the present invention, for a reason that the solubility is improved and the durability of an optically anisotropic film thus formed is further improved, it is preferable that the contents of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2, and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 are each 1% by mass or more, and a total of the contents is 50% by mass or more, with respect to the mass of the total solid content of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition, it is more preferable that the contents of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2, and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 are each 3% by mass or more, and a total of the contents is 50% by mass or more, with respect to the mass of the total solid content of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition, and the total content is still more preferably 75% to 100% by mass, and particularly preferably 85% to 100% by mass, with respect to the mass of the total solid content of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

Moreover, in the present invention, for a reason that the solubility is improved and the durability of an optically anisotropic film thus formed is further improved, the content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 is preferably 10% by mass or more, and more preferably 10% to 50% by mass, with respect to the mass of the total solid content of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

[Other Polymerizable Compounds]

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention may include other polymerizable compounds having one or more polymerizable groups, in addition to the above-mentioned polymerizable liquid crystal compounds P1 to P3.

Here, the polymerizable group which is contained in such other polymerizable compounds is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an acryloyl group, a methacryloyl group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, and an allyl group. Among those, such other polymerizable compounds preferably have the acryloyl group or the methacryloyl group.

For a reason that the moisture-heat resistance of an optically anisotropic film thus formed is further improved, such other polymerizable compounds are preferably other polymerizable compounds having 1 to 4 polymerizable groups, and more preferably other polymerizable compounds having two polymerizable groups.

Examples of such other polymerizable compounds include the compounds described in paragraphs [0073] and [0074] of JP2016-053709A.

Furthermore, other examples of such other polymerizable compounds include the compounds represented by Formulae (M1), (M2), and (M3) described in paragraphs [0030] to [0033] of JP2014-077068A, and more specifically, the specific examples described in paragraphs [0046] to [0055] of the same publication.

In addition, as such other polymerizable compounds, the compounds having the structures of Formulae (1) to (3) described in JP2014-198814A can also be preferably used, and more specifically, examples of such other polymerizable compounds include the specific examples described in paragraphs [0020] to [0035], [0042] to [0050], [0056], and [0057] of the same publication.

In a case where such other polymerizable compounds are contained, a content thereof is preferably less than 50% by mass, more preferably 40% by mass or less, and still more preferably 10% to 30% by mass, with respect to a total mass including the above-mentioned polymerizable liquid crystal compounds P1 to P3.

[Polymerization Initiator]

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention preferably contains a polymerization initiator.

The polymerization initiator to be used is preferably a photopolymerization initiator capable of initiating a polymerization reaction upon irradiation with ultraviolet rays.

Examples of the photopolymerization initiator include α-carbonyl compounds (described in each of the specifications of U.S. Pat. No. 2,367,661A and 2,367,670A), acyloin ethers (described in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 2,448,828A), α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds (described in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 2,722,512A), multinuclear quinone compounds (described in each of the specifications of U.S. Pat. No. 3,046,127A and 2,951,758A), combinations of a triarylimidazole dimer and a p-aminophenyl ketone (described in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 3,549,367A), acridine and phenazine compounds (described in JP1985-105667A (JP-S60-105667A) and the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,850A), oxadiazole compounds (described in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,970A), and acyl phosphine oxide compounds (described in JP1988-040799B (JP-S63-040799B), JP1993-029234B (JP-H05-029234B), JP1998-095788A (JP-H10-095788A), and JP1998-029997A (JP-H10-029997A)).

In addition, in the present invention, it is also preferable that the polymerization initiator is an oxime-type polymerization initiator, and specific examples of the polymerization initiator include the initiators described in paragraphs [0049] to [0052] of WO2017/170443A.

[Solvent]

It is preferable that the polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention contains a solvent from the viewpoint of workability for forming an optically anisotropic film, and the like.

Specific examples of the solvent include ketones (for example, acetone, 2-butanone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, and cyclopentanone), ethers (for example, dioxane and tetrahydrofuran), aliphatic hydrocarbons (for example, hexane), alicyclic hydrocarbons (for example, cyclohexane), aromatic hydrocarbons (for example, toluene, xylene, and trimethylbenzene), halogenated carbons (for example, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, dichlorobenzene, and chlorotoluene), esters (for example, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate), water, alcohols (for example, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, and cyclohexanol), cellosolves (for example, methyl cellosolve and ethyl cellosolve), cellosolve acetates, sulfoxides (for example, dimethyl sulfoxide), and amides (for example, dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide), and these may be used singly or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[Leveling Agent]

It is preferable that the polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention contains a leveling agent from the viewpoint that the surface of an optically anisotropic film is maintained smooth and the alignment is easily controlled.

Such the leveling agent is preferably a fluorine-based leveling agent or a silicon-based leveling agent for a reason that it has a high leveling effect on the addition amount, and the leveling agent is more preferably a fluorine-based leveling agent from the viewpoint that it is less likely to cause bleeding (bloom or bleed).

Specific example of the leveling agent include the compounds described in paragraphs [0079] to [0102] of JP2007-069471A, the compound represented by General Formula (I) described in JP2013-047204A (in particular, the compounds described in paragraphs [0020] to [0032]), the compound represented by General Formula (I) described in JP2012-211306A (in particular, the compounds described in paragraphs [0022] to [0029]), the liquid crystal alignment accelerator represented by General Formula (I) described in JP2002-129162A (in particular, the compounds described in paragraphs [0076] to [0078] and [0082] to [0084]), and the compounds represented by General Formulae (I), (II), and (III) described in JP2005-099248A (in particular, the compounds described in paragraphs [0092] to [0096]). In addition, the leveling agent may also function as an alignment control agent which will be described later.

[Alignment Control Agent]

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention can contain an alignment control agent, as desired.

With the alignment control agent, various alignment states such as homeotropic alignment (vertical alignment), tilt alignment, hybrid alignment, and cholesteric alignment can be formed, in addition to the homogeneous alignment, and specific alignment states can be controlled and achieved more uniformly and more accurately.

As an alignment control agent which accelerates the homogeneous alignment, for example, a low-molecular-weight alignment control agent or a high-molecular-weight alignment control agent can be used.

With regard to the low-molecular-weight alignment control agent, reference can be made to the description in, for example, paragraphs [0009] to [0083] of JP2002-020363A, paragraphs [0111] to [0120] of JP2006-106662A, and paragraphs [0021] to [0029] of JP2012-211306A, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In addition, with regard to the high-molecular-weight alignment control agent, reference can be made to the description in, for example, paragraphs [0021] to [0057] of JP2004-198511A and paragraphs [0121] to [0167] of JP2006-106662A, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Furthermore, examples of the alignment control agent that forms or accelerates the homeotropic alignment include a boronic acid compound and an onium salt compound, and specifically, reference can be made to the compounds described in paragraphs [0023] to [0032] of JP2008-225281A, paragraphs [0052] to [0058] of JP2012-208397A, paragraphs [0024] to [0055] of JP2008-026730A, paragraphs [0043] to [0055] of JP2016-193869A, and the like, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

On the other hand, the cholesteric alignment can be achieved by adding a chiral agent to the polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention, and it is possible to control the direction of revolution of the cholesteric alignment by its chiral direction. Incidentally, it is possible to control the pitch of the cholesteric alignment in accordance with the alignment regulating force of the chiral agent.

In a case where an alignment control agent is contained, a content thereof is preferably 0.01% to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.05% to 5% by mass, with respect to the mass of the total solid content of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition. In a case where the content is within the range, it is possible to obtain an optically anisotropic film which has no precipitation or phase separation, alignment defects, or the like, and is homogenous and highly transparent while achieving a desired alignment state.

These alignment control agents can further impart a polymerizable functional group, in particular, a polymerizable functional group which is polymerizable with a polymerizable liquid crystal compound constituting the polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention.

[Other Components]

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention may contain components other than the above-mentioned components, and examples of such other components include a liquid crystal compound other than the above-mentioned polymerizable liquid crystal compound, a surfactant, a tilt angle control agent, an alignment aid, a plasticizer, and a crosslinking agent.

[Method for Producing Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Composition]

The method for producing a polymerizable liquid crystal composition of an embodiment of the present invention is a method including reacting a carboxylic acid compound represented by Formula (I), a carboxylic acid compound represented by Formula (II), and a phenol compound represented by Formula (III) simultaneously to prepare the above-mentioned polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention, and is a production method for preparing a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing the above-mentioned polymerizable liquid crystal compounds P1 to P3 in one pot.

Here, an expression, “reacting them simultaneously”, means that under the condition where a carboxylic acid compound represented by Formula (I) and a carboxylic acid compound represented by Formula (II) are present, the carboxylic acid compounds are reacted with a phenol compound represented by (III). HO—C(═O)-(A¹-E¹)_(n)-SP¹-L¹  (I) HO—C(═O)-(A²-E²)_(m)-SP²-L²  (II) HO—Ar—OH  (III)

In Formulae (I) and (II), n, m, A¹, A², E¹, E², SP¹, SP², L¹, and L² are the same as n, m, A¹, A², E¹, E², SP¹, SP², L¹, and L² in Formulae (4) and (5) as mentioned above, respectively.

In addition, in Formula (III), Ar is the same as that described as Ar in Formulae (1) to (3) as mentioned above.

(Carboxylic Acid Compound)

Examples of a combination of the carboxylic acid compounds represented by Formulae (I) and (II) include combinations of the carboxylic acid compounds shown in 2-1 to 2-16 in Table 2 below.

In addition, in the carboxylic acid compounds of Formula (II) shown in 2-1, 2-11, and 2-16 in Table 2 below, a group adjacent to each of the acryloyloxy group and the methacryloyl group represents a propylene group (a group in which a methyl group is substituted with an ethylene group), and represents a mixture of position isomers in which the positions of the methyl groups are different.

TABLE 2 Carboxylic acid compound Formula (I) Formula (II) 2-1

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-5

2-6

2-7

2-8

2-9

2-10

2-11

2-12

2-13

2-14

2-15

2-16

[Phenol Compound]

Specific examples of the phenol compound represented by Formula (III) include compounds represented by Formulae (D1) to (D9).

[Reaction Conditions]

Reaction conditions for reacting the carboxylic acid compound represented by Formula (I) and the carboxylic acid compound represented by Formula (II) with the phenol compound represented by Formula (III) simultaneously are not particularly limited, and esterification reaction conditions known in the related art can be appropriately adopted.

Examples of a method using the condition include a method in which a carboxylic acid compound and a phenol compound are dehydrated and condensed under an acidic condition; a method in which a carboxylic acid compound is reacted with a chlorinating agent such as thionyl chloride to induce an acid chloride, which is then esterified with a phenol compound; a method in which a carboxylic acid compound is reacted with methanesulfonic acid chloride or tosylic acid chloride to induce a mixed acid anhydride, which is then esterified with a phenol compound; and a method in which a carboxylic acid compound and a phenol compound are esterified with a condensing agent.

For example, the reaction is preferably performed at a temperature of −10° C. to 150° C., more preferably performed at a temperature of −5° C. to 120° C., and still more preferably performed at a temperature of −5° C. to 100° C.

In addition, the reaction is preferably performed for a reaction time of 10 minutes to 24 hours, more preferably performed for a reaction time of 20 minutes to 10 hours, and still more preferably performed for a reaction time of 30 minutes to 8 hours.

[Optically Anisotropic Film]

An optically anisotropic film of an embodiment of the present invention is an optically anisotropic film obtained by polymerizing the above-mentioned polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention.

Examples of a method for forming the optically anisotropic film include a method in which the above-mentioned polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the embodiment of the present invention is used to cause a desired alignment state, which is then fixed by polymerization.

Here, the polymerization conditions are not particularly limited, but in the polymerization by irradiation with light, ultraviolet rays are preferably used. The irradiation dose is preferably 10 mJ/cm² to 50 J/cm², more preferably 20 mJ/cm² to 5 J/cm², still more preferably 30 mJ/cm² to 3 J/cm², and particularly preferably 50 mJ/cm² to 1,000 m/cm². In addition, the polymerization may be carried out under a heating condition in order to accelerate the polymerization reaction.

In addition, in the present invention, the optically anisotropic film can be formed on any of supports in the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention which will be described later or a polarizer in the polarizing plate of an embodiment of the present invention which will be described later.

The optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention preferably satisfies Formula (7). 0.50<Re(450)/Re(550)<1.00  (7)

Here, in Formula (7), Re(450) represents an in-plane retardation of the optically anisotropic film at a wavelength of 450 nm, and Re(550) represents an in-plane retardation of the optically anisotropic film at a wavelength of 550 nm. In addition, in the present specification, in a case where the measurement wavelength of the retardation is not specified, the measurement wavelength is 550 nm.

Furthermore, the values of the in-plane retardation and the thickness-direction retardation refer to values measured with light at the measurement wavelength using AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by Opto Science, Inc.).

Specifically, by inputting the average refractive index ((Nx+Ny+Nz)/3) and the film thickness (d (μm)) to AxoScan OPMF-1, it is possible to calculate:

Slow axis direction (°) Re(λ)═R0(λ) Rth(λ)=((nx+ny)/2−nz)×d.

In addition, R0(λ) is expressed in a numerical value calculated with AxoScan OPMF-1, but means Re(λ).

The optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention is preferably a positive A-plate or a positive C-plate, and more preferably the positive A-plate.

Here, the positive A-plate (A-plate which is positive) and the positive C-plate (C-plate which is positive) are defined as follows.

In a case where a refractive index in a film in-plane slow axis direction (in a direction in which an in-plane refractive index is maximum) is defined as nx, a refractive index in an in-plane direction perpendicular to the in-plane slow axis is defined as ny, and a refractive index in a thickness direction is defined as nz, the positive A-plate satisfies the relationship of Formula (A1) and the positive C-plate satisfies the relationship of Formula (C1). In addition, the positive A-plate has an Rth showing a positive value and the positive C-plate has an Rth showing a negative value. nx>ny≈nz  Formula (A1) nz>nx≈ny  Formula (C1)

Furthermore, the symbol, “≈”, encompasses not only a case where the both are completely the same as each other but also a case where the both are substantially the same as each other.

The expression, “substantially the same”, means that with regard to the positive A-plate, for example, a case where (ny−nz)×d (in which d is the thickness of a film) is −10 to 10 nm, and preferably −5 to 5 nm is also included in “ny≈nz”, and a case where (nx−nz)×d is −10 to 10 nm, and preferably −5 to 5 nm is also included in “nx≈nz”. In addition, with regard to the positive C-plate, for example, a case where (nx−ny)×d (in which d is the thickness of a film) is 0 to 10 nm, and preferably 0 to 5 nm is also included in “nx≈ny”.

In a case where the optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention is a positive A-plate, the Re(550) is preferably 100 to 180 nm, more preferably 120 to 160 nm, still more preferably 130 to 150 nm, and particularly preferably 130 to 140 nm, from the viewpoint that the optically anisotropic film functions as a λ/4 plate.

Here, the “λ/4 plate” is a plate having a λ/4 function, specifically, a plate having a function of converting a linearly polarized light at a certain specific wavelength into a circularly polarized light (or converting a circularly polarized light to a linearly polarized light).

[Optical Film]

The optical film of the embodiment of the present invention is an optical film having the optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C (these drawings are hereinafter simply referred to as “FIG. 1” unless it is necessary that they are particularly distinguished from each other) are each a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention.

Furthermore, FIG. 1 is a schematic view, and the thicknesses relationship, the positional relationship, and the like among the respective layers are not necessarily consistent with actual ones, and any of the support, the alignment film, and the hard coat layer shown in FIG. 1 are optional constitutional members.

An optical film 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a support 16, an alignment film 14, and an optically anisotropic film 12 in this order.

In addition, the optical film 10 may have a hard coat layer 18 on the side of the support 16 opposite to the side on which the alignment film 14 is provided as shown in FIG. 1B, and may have the hard coat layer 18 on the side of the optically anisotropic film 12 opposite to the side on which the alignment film 14 is provided as shown in FIG. 1C.

Hereinafter, various members used for the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[Optically Anisotropic Film]

The optically anisotropic film which the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention has is the above-mentioned optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention.

In the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the optically anisotropic film is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, and more preferably 0.5 to 5 μm.

[Support]

The optical film of the embodiment of the present invention may have a support as a base material for forming an optically anisotropic film as described above.

Such a support is preferably transparent, and specifically, the support preferably has a light transmittance of 80% or more.

Examples of such a support include a glass substrate and a polymer film, and examples of the material for the polymer film include cellulose-based polymers; acrylic polymers having acrylic ester polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate and a lactone ring-containing polymer, thermoplastic norbornene-based polymers; polycarbonate-based polymers; polyester-based polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate; styrene-based polymers such as polystyrene and an acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin); polyolefin-based polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and an ethylene-propylene copolymer; vinyl chloride-based polymers; amide-based polymers such as nylon and aromatic polyamide; imide-based polymers; sulfone-based polymers; polyether sulfone-based polymers; polyether ether ketone-based polymers; polyphenylene sulfide-based polymers; vinylidene chloride-based polymers; vinyl alcohol-based polymers; vinyl butyral-based polymers; arylate-based polymers; polyoxymethylene-based polymers; epoxy-based polymers; and polymers obtained by mixing these polymers.

In addition, an aspect in which a polarizer which will be described later may also function as such a support is also available.

In the present invention, the thickness of the support is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 60 μm, and more preferably 5 to 30 μm.

[Alignment Film]

In a case where the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention has any of the above-mentioned supports, it is preferable that the optical film has an alignment film between the support and the optically anisotropic film. Further, an aspect in which the above-mentioned support may also function as an alignment film is also available.

The alignment film generally has a polymer as a main component. The materials for the polymer material for an alignment film are described in many documents, and many commercially available products can be used.

The polymer material used in the present invention is preferably a polyvinyl alcohol or a polyimide, or a derivative thereof. Particularly, a modified or non-modified polyvinyl alcohol is preferable.

Examples of the alignment film that can be used in the present invention include the alignment films described for Line 24 on Page 43 to Line 8 on Page 49 of WO01/088574A; the modified polyvinyl alcohols described in paragraphs [0071] to [0095] of JP3907735B; and the liquid crystal alignment film formed by a liquid crystal aligning agent described in JP2012-155308A.

In the present invention, for a reason that it is possible to prevent deterioration in the surface condition by avoiding a contact with the surface of an alignment film upon formation of the alignment film, a photo-alignment film is also preferably used as the alignment film.

The photo-alignment film is not particularly limited, but the polymer materials such as a polyamide compound and a polyimide compound, described in paragraphs 0024 to 0043 of WO2005/096041A; the liquid crystal alignment film formed by a liquid crystal aligning agent having a photo-alignment group, described in JP2012-155308A; LPP-JP265CP, trade name, manufactured by Rolic Technologies Ltd.; or the like can be used.

In addition, in the present invention, the thickness of the alignment film is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of forming an optically anisotropic film having a uniform film thickness by alleviating the surface roughness that can be present on the support, the thickness is preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 1 μm, and still more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 μm.

[Hard Coat Layer]

It is preferable that the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention has a hard coat layer in order to impart physical strength to the film. Specifically, the optical film may have the hard coat layer on the side of the support opposite to the side on which the alignment film is provided (see FIG. 1B) or the optical film may have the hard coat layer on the side of the optically anisotropic film opposite to the side on which the alignment film is provided (see FIG. 1C).

As the hard coat layer, those described in paragraphs [0190] to [0196] of JP2009-098658A can be used.

[Other Optically Anisotropic Films]

The optical film of the embodiment of the present invention may have other optically anisotropic films, in addition to the optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention.

That is, the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention may have a laminated structure having the optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention and other optically anisotropic films.

Such other optically anisotropic films are not particularly limited as long as the optically anisotropic films are obtained by not blending any one of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (I) and the polymerizable compound (II), but using the above-mentioned other polymerizable compounds (in particular, liquid crystal compounds).

Here, the liquid crystal compounds can be generally classified into a rod-shaped type and a disk-shaped type according to the shape thereof. Each of the types can further be classified into a low-molecular-weight type and a high-molecular-weight type. The term, high-molecular-weight, generally refers to having a degree of polymerization of 100 or more (Polymer Physics-Phase Transition Dynamics, by Masao Doi, page 2, published by Iwanami Shoten, Publishers, 1992). In the present invention, any of the liquid crystal compounds can be used, but the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound or the discotic liquid crystal compound (disk-shaped liquid crystal compound) is preferably used. Two or more kinds of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, two or more kinds of the disk-shaped liquid crystal compounds, or a mixture of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound and the disk-shaped liquid crystal compound may be used. In order to fix the above-mentioned liquid crystal compound, it is more preferable that the liquid crystal compound is formed of a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound or disk-shaped liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group, and it is still more preferable that the liquid crystal compound has two or more polymerizable groups in one molecule. In the case of a mixture of two or more kinds of the liquid crystal compounds, at least one kind of the liquid crystal compound preferably has two or more polymerizable groups in one molecule.

As the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, for example, the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds described in claim 1 of JP1999-513019A (JP-H11-513019A) or paragraphs [0026] to [0098] of JP2005-289980A can be preferably used, and as the discotic liquid crystal compound, for example, the discotic liquid crystal compounds described in paragraphs [0020] to [0067] of JP2007-108732A and paragraphs [0013] to [0108] of JP2010-244038A can be preferably used, but the liquid crystal compounds are not limited thereto.

[Ultraviolet Absorber]

The optical film of the embodiment of the present invention preferably includes an ultraviolet (UV) absorber, taking an effect of external light (particularly ultraviolet rays) into consideration.

The ultraviolet absorber may be contained in the optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention or may also be contained in a member other than an optically anisotropic film constituting the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention. Suitable examples of the member other than the optically anisotropic film include a support.

As the ultraviolet absorber, any one of ultraviolet absorbers known in the related art, which can express ultraviolet absorptivity, can be used. Among such the ultraviolet absorbers, a benzotriazole-based or hydroxyphenyltriazine-based ultraviolet absorber is preferably used from the viewpoint that it has high ultraviolet absorptivity and ultraviolet absorbing ability (ultraviolet-shielding ability) used for an image display device is obtained.

In addition, in order to broaden ultraviolet absorbing ranges, two or more of ultraviolet absorbers having different maximum absorption wavelengths can be used in combination.

Specific examples of the ultraviolet absorber include the compounds described in paragraphs [0258] and [0259] of JP2012-018395A and the compounds described in paragraphs [0055] to [0105] of JP2007-072163A.

In addition, as a commercially available product thereof, for example, Tinuvin 400, Tinuvin 405, Tinuvin 460, Tinuvin 477, Tinuvin 479, and Tinuvin 1577 (all manufactured by BASF) can be used.

[Polarizing Plate]

A polarizing plate of an embodiment of the present invention has the above-mentioned optical film of the embodiment of the present invention and a polarizer.

Furthermore, in a case where the above-mentioned optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention is a λ/4 plate (positive A-plate), the polarizing plate of the embodiment of the present invention can be used as a circularly polarizing plate.

In addition, in a case where the above-mentioned optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention is a λ/4 plate (positive A-plate), an angle between the slow axis of the λ/4 plate and the absorption axis of a polarizer which will be described later is preferably 30° to 60°, more preferably 40° to 50°, still more preferably 42° to 48°, and particularly preferably 45° in the polarizing plate of the embodiment of the present invention.

Here, the “slow axis” of the λ/4 plate means a direction in which the refractive index in the plane of the λ/4 plat becomes maximum, and the “absorption axis” of the polarizer means a direction in which the absorbance is highest.

[Polarizer]

A polarizer contained in a polarizing plate of an embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a member having a function of converting light into specific linearly polarized light, and an absorptive type polarizer and a reflective type polarizer, which are known in the related art, can be used.

An iodine-based polarizer, a dye-based polarizer using a dichroic dye, a polyene-based polarizer, or the like is used as the absorptive type polarizer. The iodine-based polarizer and the dye-based polarizer are classified into a coating type polarizer and a stretching type polarizer, any of which can be applied, but a polarizer which is manufactured by allowing polyvinyl alcohol to adsorb iodine or a dichroic dye and performing stretching is preferable.

In addition, examples of a method of obtaining a polarizer by carrying out stretching and dyeing in a state of a laminated film in which a polyvinyl alcohol layer is formed on a base material include the methods disclosed in JP5048120B, JP5143918B, JP4691205B, JP4751481B, and JP4751486B, and known technologies relating to these polarizers can also be preferably used.

A polarizer in which thin films having different birefringence are laminated, a wire grid-type polarizer, a polarizer having a combination of a cholesteric liquid crystal having a selective reflection range and a ¼ wavelength plate, or the like is used as the reflective type polarizer.

Among those, a polarizer including a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin (a polymer including —CH₂—CHOH— as a repeating unit, in particular, at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) is preferable from the viewpoint that it has more excellent adhesiveness.

In the present invention, the thickness of the polarizer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3 μm to 60 μm, more preferably 5 μm to 30 μm, and still more preferably 5 μm to 15 μm.

[Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Layer]

The polarizing plate of the embodiment of the present invention may have a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer arranged between the optically anisotropic film in the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention and the polarizer.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer used for lamination of the optically anisotropic film and the polarizer represents, for example, a substance in which a ratio (tan δ=G″/G′) between a storage elastic modulus G′ and a loss elastic modulus G″, each measured with a dynamic viscoelastometer, is 0.001 to 1.5, and examples thereof include a so-called pressure-sensitive adhesive or a readily creepable substance. Examples of the pressure-sensitive adhesive that can be used in the present invention include a polyvinyl alcohol-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, but the pressure-sensitive adhesive is not limited thereto.

[Image Display Device]

An image display device of an embodiment of the present invention is an image display device having the optical film of the embodiment of the present invention or the polarizing plate of the embodiment of the present invention.

A display element used in the image display device of the embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a liquid crystal cell, an organic electroluminescent (hereinafter simply referred to as “EL”) display panel, and a plasma display panel.

Among those, the liquid crystal cell and the organic EL display panel are preferable, and the liquid crystal cell is more preferable. That is, as the image display device of the embodiment of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal cell as a display element or an organic EL display device using an organic EL display panel as a display element is preferable, and the liquid crystal display device is more preferable.

[Liquid Crystal Display Device]

A liquid crystal display device which is an example of the image display device of the embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device having the above-mentioned polarizing plate of the embodiment of the present invention and a liquid crystal cell.

In addition, in the present invention, it is preferable that the polarizing plate of the embodiment of the present invention is used as the polarizing plate of the front side, and it is more preferable that the polarizing plate of the embodiment of the present invention is used as the polarizing plates on the front and rear sides, among the polarizing plates provided on the both sides of the liquid crystal cell.

Hereinafter, the liquid crystal cell constituting the liquid crystal display device will be described in detail.

<Liquid Crystal Cell>

A liquid crystal cell for use in the liquid crystal display device is preferably in a vertical alignment (VA) mode, an optically compensated bend (OCB) mode, an in-plane-switching (IPS) mode, or a twisted nematic (TN) mode, but the liquid crystal cell is not limited thereto.

In a TN-mode liquid crystal cell, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially horizontally aligned and are twist-aligned at 60° to 120° during no voltage application thereto. A TN-mode liquid crystal cell is most often used in a color TFT liquid crystal display device and described in numerous documents.

In a VA-mode liquid crystal cell, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially vertically aligned during no voltage application thereto. Examples of the VA-mode liquid crystal cell include (1) a VA-mode liquid crystal cell in the narrow sense of the word, in which rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially vertically aligned during no voltage application thereto, but are substantially horizontally aligned during voltage application thereto (described in JP1990-176625A (JP-H02-176625A)), (2) an MVA-mode liquid crystal cell in which the VA mode is multi-domained for viewing angle enlargement (described in SID97, Digest of Tech. Papers (preprint), 28 (1997) 845), (3) a liquid crystal cell in a mode (n-ASM mode) in which rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially vertically aligned during no voltage application thereto and are multi-domain-aligned during voltage application thereto (described in Seminar of Liquid Crystals of Japan, Papers (preprint), 58-59 (1998)), and (4) a survival-mode liquid crystal cell (announced in LCD International 98). In addition, the liquid crystal cell may be of any of a patterned vertical alignment (PVA) type, an optical alignment type, and polymer-sustained alignment (PSA) type. Details of these modes are specifically described in JP2006-215326A and JP2008-538819A.

In an IPS-mode liquid crystal cell, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially parallel with respect to a substrate, and application of an electric field parallel to the substrate surface causes the liquid crystal molecules to respond planarly. The IPS mode displays black in a state where no electric field is applied and a pair of upper and lower polarizing plates have absorption axes which are orthogonal to each other. A method of improving the viewing angle by reducing light leakage during black display in an oblique direction using an optical compensation sheet is disclosed in JP1998-054982A (JP-H10-054982A), JP1999-202323A (JP-H11-202323A), JP1997-292522A (JP-H09-292522A), JP1999-133408A (JP-H11-133408A), JP1999-305217A (JP-H11-305217A), JP1998-307291A (JP-H10-307291A), and the like.

[Organic EL Display Device]

Suitable examples of the organic EL display device which is an example of the image display device of the embodiment of the present invention include an aspect which includes, from the visible side, a polarizer, a λ/4 plate (a positive A-plate) including the optically anisotropic film of the embodiment of the present invention, and an organic EL display panel in this order.

Furthermore, the organic EL display panel is a display panel composed of an organic EL element in which an organic light emitting layer (organic electroluminescent layer) is sandwiched between electrodes (between a cathode and an anode). The configuration of the organic EL display panel is not particularly limited but a known configuration is adopted.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples. The materials, the amounts of materials used, the proportions, the treatment details, the treatment procedure, and the like shown in Examples below can be appropriately modified as long as the modifications do not depart from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to Examples shown below.

(Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Compound)

<Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Compound (VIII-1)>

As shown in the scheme, 10.0 g (39.3 mmol) of a compound (VIII-1a), 100 mL of ethyl acetate (EA), 18.2 mL of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and 433 mg of 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol were mixed at room temperature (23° C.), and the internal temperature was lowered to 5° C. To the mixture was added dropwise 6.24 mL (86.5 mmol) of thionyl chloride (SOCl₂) so that the internal temperature was not elevated to 10° C. or higher. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 1 hour and then 5.67 g (39.3 mmol) of 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate was added thereto, 37.7 mL (216 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) was added dropwise thereto and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. After stirring the mixture, 100 mL of a 1 N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution was added thereto to stop the reaction and the mixture was subjected to liquid separation. The organic layer was washed with 10% physiological saline and then dried over magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The obtained crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 4.49 g (11.8 mmol) of a carboxylic acid compound (VIII-1) (yield: 30%).

<Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Compound (VIII-2)>

A carboxylic acid compound (VIII-2) represented by the following formula, that is, the mixture (I-4C) described in paragraph [0122] of JP2016-081035A was synthesized by the method described in paragraphs [0123] to [0125] of the same publication.

<Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Compound (VIII-3)>

The carboxylic acid compound (VIII-3) represented by the following formula was synthesized by the method described in paragraph [0109] of JP2016-081035A.

<Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Compound (VIII-4)>

A carboxylic acid compound (VIII-4) represented by the following formula was synthesized by the method described in paragraph [0392] of JP2010-031223A.

<Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Compound (VIII-5)>

A carboxylic acid compound (VIII-5) represented by the following formula was synthesized by the method described in paragraphs [0085] to [0087] of JP4397550B.

<Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Compound (VIII-6)>

As shown in the scheme, a carboxylic acid compound (VIII-6) was obtained by the same synthesis method as for the carboxylic acid side chain (VIII-1), except that 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate in the synthesis method for the carboxylic acid compound (VIII-1) was changed to 6-hydroxyhexyl acrylate.

<Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Compound (VIII-7)>

As shown in the scheme, a carboxylic acid compound (VIII-7) was obtained by the same synthesis method as for the carboxylic acid compound (VIII-1), except that 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate in the synthesis method for the carboxylic acid compound (VIII-1) was changed to 5-hydroxy-3-methylpentyl acrylate.

<Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Compound (VIII-8)>

As shown in the scheme, a carboxylic acid compound (VIII-8) was obtained by the same synthesis method as for the carboxylic acid compound (VIII-1), except that 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate in the synthesis method for the carboxylic acid compound (VIII-1) was changed to 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate.

<Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Compound (VIII-9)>

Synthesis of a carboxylic acid compound (VIII-9) represented by the following formula was carried out by the method described in paragraphs [0113] to [0115] of JP2016-053149A.

(Synthesis of Phenol Compound)

<Synthesis of Phenol Compound (X-1)>

Synthesis of a phenol compound (X-1) represented by the following formula was carried out by the method described in “Journal of Chemical Crystallography” (1997); 27 (9); p. 515-526.

<Synthesis of Phenol Compound (X-2)>

Synthesis of a phenol compound (X-2) represented by the following formula was carried out by the method described in paragraph [0169] (Example 15) of JP2016-018035A.

<Synthesis of Phenol Compound (X-3)>

Synthesis of a phenol compound (X-3) represented by the following formula was carried out according to the method described in paragraph [0175] of JP2016-081035A (Example 17).

<Synthesis of Phenol Compound (X-4)>

Synthesis of a phenol compound (X-4) represented by the following formula was carried out by the method described in paragraphs [0240] to [0244] of JP2008-273925A.

<Synthesis of Phenol Compound (X-5)>

Synthesis of a phenol compound (X-5) represented by the following formula was carried out according to the scheme described in paragraph [0463] of JP2011-207765A.

Example 1

As shown in the scheme, 3.42 g (9.00 mmol) of the compound (VIII-1), 0.50 g (1.00 mmol) of the compound (VIII-2), 40 mL of ethyl acetate (EA), 5 mL of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and 110 mg of 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol were mixed at room temperature (23° C.), and the internal temperature was lowered to 5° C. To the mixture was added dropwise 1.19 g (10.0 mmol) of thionyl chloride (SOCl₂) so that the internal temperature was not elevated to 10° C. or higher. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 1 hour and then a solution (30 mL) of 1.13 g (4.55 mmol) of the compound (X-1) in THF was added thereto. 2.58 g (20.0 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) was added dropwise thereto and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. After stirring the mixture, 50 mL of a 1 N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution was added thereto to stop the reaction and the mixture was subjected to liquid separation. The organic layer was washed with 10% physiological saline and then dried over magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. Methanol was added to the obtained crude product and the precipitated solid was filtered to obtain 3.5 g of a mixture 1.

A ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-1), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-1), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-1) in the mixture 1 was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and as a result, (P1-1):(P2-1):(P3-1) was 81:18:1. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

Example 2

A mixture 2 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 8:2.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-1), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-1), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-1) in the mixture 2 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-1):(P2-1):(P3-1) was 64:32:4.

Example 3

A mixture 3 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 7:3.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-1), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-1), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-1) in the mixture 3 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-1):(P2-1):(P3-1) was 49:42:9.

Example 4

A mixture 4 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 5:5.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-1), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-1), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-1) in the mixture 4 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-1):(P2-1):(P3-1) was 25:50:25.

Example 5

A mixture 5 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ration of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 7:3 and the phenol compound (X-1) was changed to the phenol compound (X-4).

The ration of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-5), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-5), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-5) in the mixture 5 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-5):(P2-5):(P3-5) was 49:42:9.

Example 6

A mixture 6 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-4) was changed to 7:3 and the phenol compound (X-1) was changed to the phenol compound (X-5).

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-6), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-6), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-6) in the mixture 6 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-6):(P2-6):(P3-6) was 49:42:9.

Example 7

A mixture 7a was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-4) was changed to 7:3 and the phenol compound (X-1) was changed to 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde.

Next, as shown in the scheme, the mixture 7a (5 g) and 50 mL of THF were mixed at room temperature, and 0.93 mL (0.48 mmol) of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added to the mixture. To this solution was added dropwise a solution of 1.25 g (5.0 mmol) of the compound (X-6a) synthesized by the method described in paragraphs [0304] to [0306] of JP6055569B in 10 mL of THF over 15 minutes, and after completion of the dropwise addition, the mixture was further stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After completion of the reaction, the reaction solution was poured into 800 mL of methanol and the precipitated solid was collected by filtration to obtain a mixture 7.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-7), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-7), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-7) in the mixture 7 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-7):(P2-7):(P3-7) was 49:42:9.

Example 8

A mixture 8 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-4) was changed to 7:3.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-8), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-8), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-8) in the mixture 8 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-8):(P2-8):(P3-8) was 49:42:9.

Example 9

A mixture 9 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-5) was changed to 8:2.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-9), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-9), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-9) in the mixture 9 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-9):(P2-9):(P3-9) was 64:32:4.

Example 10

A mixture 10 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-6):the compound (VIII-1) was changed to 3:7.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-10), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-10), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-10) in the mixture 10 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-10):(P2-10):(P3-10) was 9:42:49.

Example 11

A mixture 11 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-7):the compound (VIII-1) was changed to 3:7.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-11), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-11), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-11) in the mixture 11 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-11):(P2-11):(P3-11) was 9:42:49.

Example 12

A mixture 12 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 7:3 and the core was changed to (X-2).

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-12), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-12), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-12) in the mixture 12 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-12):(P2-12):(P3-12) was 49:42:9.

Example 13

A mixture 13 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 8:2 and the core was changed to (X-3).

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-13), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-13), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-13) in the mixture 13 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-13):(P2-13):(P3-13) was 64:32:4.

Example 14

A mixture 14 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-9) was changed to 5:5.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-14), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-14), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-14) in the mixture 14 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-14):(P2-14):(P3-14) was 25:50:25.

Example 15

A mixture 15 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-4):the compound (VIII-9) was changed to 5:5 and the core was changed to the compound (X-2).

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-15), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-15), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-15) in the mixture 15 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-15):(P2-15):(P3-15) was 25:50:25.

Example 16

A mixture 16 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-10):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 2:8.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-16), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-16), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-16) in the mixture 16 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-16):(P2-16):(P3-16) was 4:32:64.

Example 17

A mixture 17 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-10):the compound (VII-4) was changed to 2:8, and phenol compound (X-1) was changed to a phenol compound (X-5).

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-17), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-17), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-17) in the mixture 17 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-17):(P2-17):(P3-17) was 4:32:64.

Example 18

A mixture 18 was obtained by the same method as in Example 7, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-10):the compound (VIII-4) was changed to 2:8.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-18), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-18), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-18) in the mixture 18 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-18):(P2-18):(P3-18) was 4:32:64.

Example 19

A mixture 19 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-4):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 7:3 and the core was changed to the compound (X-5).

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-19), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-19), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-19) in the mixture 19 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-19):(P2-19):(P3-19) was 49:42:9.

Example 20

A mixture 20 was obtained by the same method as in Example 7, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-4):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 7:3.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-20), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-20), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-20) in the mixture 20 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-20):(P2-20):(P3-20) was 49:42:9.

Example 21

A mixture 21 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-4):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 7:3.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-21), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-21), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-21) in the mixture 21 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-21):(P2-21):(P3-21) was 49:42:9.

Example 22

A mixture 22 was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the mixing ratio of the compound (VIII-1):the compound (VIII-2) was changed to 9.5:0.5.

The ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P1-1), the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P2-1), and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (P3-1) in the mixture 22 was measured by HPLC, and as a result, (P1-1):(P2-1):(P3-1) was 90:9:1.

Comparative Example 1

A compound C of the following formula in which n is 1 was synthesized by the method described in paragraphs [0161] to [0163] of JP2010-084032A.

Comparative Example 2

A polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by the following formula was synthesized according to the scheme described in paragraph [0463] of JP2011-207765A.

Comparative Example 3

A polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by the following formula was synthesized by the method described in paragraph [0122] (Example 4) of JP2016-081035A.

[Solubility]

Measurement of the solubilities of the mixtures (polymerizable liquid crystal compositions) prepared in each of Examples 1 to 21 and the polymerizable liquid crystal compounds synthesized in each of Comparative Examples 1 to 3 was carried out by the following method. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

Specifically, 50 mg of the compound was weighed into a 1.5-mL sample bottle and a solvent was added thereto until the solid content was 40% by weight (75 mg).

The mixture was shaken by hand at 50° C., left at room temperature (23° C.) for 10 minutes, and then visually observed, and in a case where the process was terminated in a state where the mixture was clear, the solubility was determined to be 40% by weight. In a case where there was any residue undissolved, a solvent was added thereto so that the solid content was 35% by weight (+18 mg). The mixture was thoroughly shaken by hand at 50° C., allowed to stand at room temperature (23° C.) for 10 minutes, and then visually observed, and in a case where the process was terminated in a state where the mixture was clear, the solubility was determined to be 35% by weight. In a case where there was any residue undissolved, a solvent was added thereto so that the solid content was 30% by weight. The same operation was repeated in increments of 5% by weight until the amount was 5% by weight, and in a case where there was any residue undissolved, the solubility was determined to be less than 5% by weight (<5% by weight), and the operation was terminated. Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and cyclopentanone (CPN) were used as a solvent for solubility measurement.

-   -   A: The solubility in MEK or CPN is 30% or more.     -   B: The solubility in MEK or CPN is 15% or more and less than         30%.     -   C: The solubility in MEK or CPN is less than 15%.

[Surface Condition]

A polymerizable composition (a coating liquid for an optically anisotropic film) having the following composition was prepared and applied onto a glass substrate including a rubbing-treated polyimide alignment film (SE-150 manufactured by Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.) by spin coating. The coating film was subjected to an alignment treatment at 140° C. to form a liquid crystal layer. Thereafter, the liquid crystal layer was cooled to 60° C. and subjected to alignment fixation by irradiation with ultraviolet rays at 1,000 mJ/cm² to form an optically anisotropic film, thereby obtaining an optical film for measuring a wavelength dispersion.

Coating Liquid for Optically Anisotropic Film

Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compound (Compounds described in Tables 3 and 4 below) 15.00 parts by mass Photopolymerization initiator (IRGACURE 819, manufactured by BASF)  0.45 parts by mass The following fluorine-containing compound A  0.12 parts by mass Chloroform 35.00 parts by mass

With regard to the manufactured optical film, the surface condition was confirmed with an optical microscope and visual observation, and evaluated according to the following standard. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

-   -   A: No bright spots or streak-like defects are observed.     -   B: Some bright spots and streak-like defects are observed.     -   C: There are many bright spots or streak-like defects.

[Durability]

With regard to test conditions for the durability, a test in which an object was left to stand in an environment of 100° C. and a relative humidity of 95% for 144 hours was carried out. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

-   -   A: A variation in Re(550) after the test with respect to the         initial phase difference value is less than 15%.     -   B: A variation in Re(550) after the test with respect to the         initial phase difference value is 15% or more and less than 30%.     -   C: A variation in Re(550) after the test with respect to the         initial phase difference value is 30% or more and less than 45%.     -   D: A variation in Re(550) after the test with respect to the         initial phase difference value is 45% or more.

[Wavelength Dispersion]

With regard to the manufactured optical film, a retardation value at a wavelength of 450 nm (Re(450)) and a retardation value at a wavelength of 550 nm (Re(550)) were measured using an automatic birefringence meter (KOBRA-21ADH, manufactured by Oji Scientific Instruments), and Re(450)/Re(550) was calculated. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

-   -   A: Re(450)/Re(550) is less than 0.67.     -   B: Re(450)/Re(550) is 0.67 or more and less than 0.8.     -   C: Re(450)/Re(550) is 0.8 or more.

TABLE 3 Evaluation Compo- Sol- Sur- Du- Wave- sitional u- face ra- length Formula (1) to Formula (3) ratio bil- condi- bil- disper- Ar A B P1 P2 P3 ity tion ity sion Ex- am- ple 1

81 18  1 B B A A Ex- am- ple 2

64 32  4 A A A A Ex- am- ple 3

49 42  9 A A A B Ex- am- ple 4

25 50 25 A A B B Ex- am- ple 5

49 42  9 A A A B Ex- am- ple 6

49 42  9 A A A B Ex- am- ple 7

49 42  9 A A A B Ex- am- ple 8

49 42  9 A A A B Ex- am- ple 9

64 32  4 A A A B Ex- am- ple 10

 9 42 49 A A A A Ex- am- ple 11

 9 42 49 A A A A Ex- am- ple 12

49 42  9 A A A B

TABLE 4 Evaluation Compo- Sur- Wave- sitional face length Formula (1) to Formula (3) ratio Solu- condi- Dura- disper- Ar A B P1 P2 P3 bility tion bility sion Ex- am- ple 13

64 32  4 A A A A Ex- am- ple 14

25 50 25 A A A A Ex- am- ple 15

25 50 25 A A B B Ex- am- ple 16

 4 32 64 A A B B Ex- am- ple 17

 4 32 64 B B A B Ex- am- ple 18

 4 32 64 A A B B Ex- am- ple 19

49 42  9 A A B C Ex- am- ple 20

49 42  9 A A B C Ex- am- ple 21

49 42  9 A A C C Ex- am- ple 22

90  9  1 B B A A Com- par- ative Ex- am- ple 1

— — — C C A C Com- par- ative Ex- am- ple 2

— — — C C B C Com- par- ative Ex- am- ple 3

— — — B C D C

From the results shown in Tables 3 and 4, it was found that in a case where only one kind of polymerizable liquid crystal compound corresponding to the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1 or the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 was blended, the solubility was deteriorated or the durability of an optically anisotropic compound thus formed was deteriorated (Comparative Examples 1 to 3).

In contrast, it was found that in a case where all of the polymerizable liquid crystal compounds P1 to P3 were blended, the solubility was improved and the durability of an optically anisotropic film thus formed was excellent (Examples 1 to 22).

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES

-   10: optical film -   12: optically anisotropic film -   14: alignment film -   16: support -   18: hard coat layer 

What is claimed is:
 1. A polymerizable liquid crystal composition comprising: a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1 represented by Formula (1); a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 represented by Formula (2); and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 represented by Formula (3), A-Ar-A  (1) A-Ar-B  (2) B-Ar-B  (3) in Formulae (1) and (2), A's represent groups represented by Formula (4), all of which exhibit the same C log P value, and in Formulae (2) and (3), B's represent groups represented by Formula (5), all of which exhibit the same C log P value, provided that A and B represent groups having C log P values different from each other, in which the C log P value of A is larger than the C log P value of B and the C log P value of at least one of A or B is 3.3 or more, *-D¹-(A¹-E¹)_(n)-SP¹-L¹  (4) *-D₂-(A²-E²)_(n)-SP²-L²  (5) in Formulae (4) and (5), * represents a bonding position to Ar, and n and m each independently represent an integer of 1 or more, D¹, D², E¹, and E² each independently represent a single bond, or a divalent linking group consisting of —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, —CR¹R²—, —CR³═CR⁴—, —NR⁵—, or a combination of two or more thereof, R¹ to R⁵ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, in a case where n is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of E¹'s may be the same as or different from each other, and in a case where m is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of E²'s may be the same as or different from each other, A¹ and A² each independently represent an aromatic ring having 6 or more carbon atoms, which may have a substituent, or a cycloalkane ring having 6 or more carbon atoms, which may have a substituent, in a case where n is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of A¹'s may be the same as or different from each other, and in a case where m is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of A²'s may be the same as or different from each other, SP¹ and SP² each independently represent a single bond, or a linear alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear alkenylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkenylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear alkynylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkynylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent linking group in which one or more of —CH₂—'s constituting the alkylene group, the alkenylene group, and the alkynylene group are substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(Q)-, or —CO—, and Q represents a substituent, L¹ and L² each independently represent a monovalent organic group, and at least one of L¹ or L² represents a polymerizable group, provided that in a case where Ar in Formulae (1) to (3) is an aromatic ring represented by Formula (Ar-3), at least one of L¹ or L², or L³ or L⁴ in Formula (Ar-3) represents a polymerizable group, and in Formulae (1) to (3), Ar represents any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by Formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-5),

in Formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), * represents a bonding position to D¹ or D², Q¹ represents N or CH, Q² represents —S—, —O—, or —N(R⁶)—, and R⁶ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, Y¹ represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms or an aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, each of which may have a substituent, Z¹, Z², and Z³ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, —OR⁷, —NR⁸R⁹, or —SR¹⁰, R⁷ to R¹⁰ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and Z¹ and Z² may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring, A³ and A⁴ each independently represent a group selected from the group consisting of —O—, —N(R¹¹)—, —S—, and —CO—, and R¹¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, X represents a non-metal atom of Group XIV to XVI to which a hydrogen atom or a substituent may be bonded, D³ and D⁴ each independently represent a single bond, or a divalent linking group consisting of —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, —CR¹R²—, —CR³═CR⁴—, —NR⁵—, or a combination of two or more thereof, and R¹ to R⁵ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, SP³ and SP⁴ each independently represent a single bond, or a linear alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear alkenylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkenylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear alkynylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkynylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent linking group in which one or more of —CH₂—'s constituting the alkylene group, the alkenylene group, and the alkynylene group are substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(Q)-, or —CO—, and Q represents a substituent, L³ and L⁴ each independently represent a monovalent organic group, and at least one of L³ or L⁴, or L¹ or L² represents a polymerizable group, Ax represents an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, which has at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon ring and an aromatic heterocyclic ring, Ay represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, which may have a substituent, or an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, which has at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon ring and an aromatic heterocyclic ring, the aromatic rings in each of Ax and Ay may have a substituent, and Ax and Ay may be bonded to each other to form a ring, and Q³ represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which may have a substituent, wherein at least one of A or B in Formulae (1) to (3) represents a group represented by Formula (6), *-D⁵-G¹-G²-D⁶-SP⁵-L⁵  (6) in Formula (6), * represents a bonding position to Ar, D⁵ and D⁶ each independently represent a single bond, or a divalent linking group consisting of —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, —CR¹R²—, —CR³═CR⁴—, —NR⁵—, or a combination of two or more thereof, and R¹ to R⁵ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, G¹ and G² each independently represent a cycloalkane ring having 6 or more carbon atoms, which may have a substituent, SP⁵ represents a single bond, or a linear alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear alkenylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkenylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear alkynylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkynylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent linking group in which one or more of —CH₂—'s constituting the alkylene group, the alkenylene group, and the alkynylene group are substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(Q)-, or —CO—, and Q represents a substituent, and L⁵ represents a monovalent organic group or a polymerizable group.
 2. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein contents of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P1, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2, and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P3 are each 1% by mass or more, and a total of the contents is 50% by mass or more, with respect to a mass of the total solid content of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.
 3. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein a content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 is 10% by mass or more with respect to a mass of the total solid content of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.
 4. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein both of G¹ and G² in Formula (6) represent a cyclohexane ring.
 5. An optically anisotropic film obtained by polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal composition according to claim
 1. 6. The optically anisotropic film according to claim 5, wherein Formula (7) is satisfied, 0.50<Re(450)/Re(550)<1.00  (7) in Formula (7), Re(450) represents an in-plane retardation of the optically anisotropic film at a wavelength of 450 nm, and Re(550) represents an in-plane retardation of the optically anisotropic film at a wavelength of 550 nm.
 7. An optical film comprising the optically anisotropic film according to claim
 5. 8. A polarizing plate comprising: the optical film according to claim 7; and a polarizer.
 9. An image display device comprising the optical film according to claim
 7. 10. An image display device comprising the polarizing plate according to claim
 8. 11. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition according to claim 2, wherein a content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound P2 is 10% by mass or more with respect to a mass of the total solid content of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.
 12. An optically anisotropic film obtained by polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal composition according to claim
 2. 13. An optical film comprising the optically anisotropic film according to claim
 6. 14. A polarizing plate comprising: the optical film according to claim 13; and a polarizer.
 15. An image display device comprising the optical film according to claim
 13. 16. An image display device comprising the polarizing plate according to claim
 14. 